‘Poisonous’ expectations of congregations are damaging priests’ mental health

Priests’ mental health is being damaged by the “poisonous” expectations of congregations who put them on a pedestal, the Church of England’s general synod has heard.

Introducing a report on clergy wellbeing Canon Simon Butler, one of two chairs of the house of clergy, said parishioners’ expectations “set us on pedestals only to rejoice in knocking us off again, treating us as amateurs in a world of professionals, expecting a perfection in us that hides great hypocrisy in others”.

Mr Butler, who is vicar of St Mary’s church in Battersea, London, also said priests have “insecurities and immaturities too, which we often hide behind the role we inhabit”.

The report, which was approved by Synod, says clergy need more help to build “resilience” to better deal with their congregations.

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